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Please be aware – this tour is at the moment full. When you’d prefer to be placed on the waitlist – simply e-mail me at [email protected]
I first traveled to Alaska in the summertime – as most individuals do. I fell in love with the folks and the panorama – I personally assume it’s America’s most stunning state and constantly falls in my high 5 locations to go to in your complete world. I used to be at all times intrigued about how folks lived there within the winter and what they did – a lot in order that I did my first Alaska winter journey in 2018.
That’s after I actually fell in love with Alaska within the winter.
Since then, I’ve been again three extra occasions and it will get higher every time! As I’ve shared my adventures there, I constantly get requested by readers to arrange an Alaska winter tour.
I’ve lastly discovered an organization that I needed to work with, Salmonberry Excursions, that matches my journey mentality and will assist me put a custom-made tour collectively! This Alaska winter tour consists of the perfect and most unusual winter experiences Alaska has to supply!
Why Alaska within the Winter?
Most individuals don’t take into consideration going to Alaska in February. In any case, it’s the coldest, snowiest, and most distant vacation spot in the US. However I’m not like most individuals. I prefer to journey to the distant corners of our globe as a result of that’s the place you discover essentially the most epic experiences and environments.
Whereas most individuals dream of seashores to flee winter in February, I dream of the northern lights, sled canine, scorching chocolate, and snow-capped mountains. Winter in Alaska is whenever you discover the true Alaskans, the full-timers, and the heartiest of locals. You’ll have the possibility to fulfill them and spend time with this hearty bunch whenever you journey with me.
Aurora Viewing – Why Go in 2025
The northern lights are so prolific within the Fairbanks area and the Arctic that guests who keep a minimal of three nights and are actively out throughout the late night hours improve their probability of seeing the aurora to greater than 80 p.c! And that’s precisely why we’ll have 3 nights of aurora chasing in Fairbanks to begin off the journey! Plus – there are good probabilities we’ll see the lights in Talkeetna and Glacier View.
As well as, scientists have forecasted the subsequent peak of photo voltaic exercise (the photo voltaic most) can be reached in July 2025. As we method the photo voltaic most, we’ll begin to see extra intense and extra frequent aurora. So this even will increase our probabilities additional to see some spectacular aurora shows.
On one of many nights, we may even get particular northern lights photography instructions for these eager about studying easy methods to {photograph} the northern lights.
You possibly can learn extra about why Fairbanks and Alaska are the perfect places for Aurora viewing
Overview, Dates, and Prices
Please be aware – this tour is at the moment full. When you’d prefer to be placed on the waitlist – simply e-mail me at [email protected]
When you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the northern lights, mushing your own team of Alaskan Huskies, seeing North America’s tallest peak coated in snow, mountain climbing on a glacier, and studying easy methods to play the winter sport of curling – then skip the seashore this winter and begin knocking issues off your bucket record with my Ottsworld Alaska Winter Tour February 2025!
The tour is an ideal mixture of journey and aurora viewing all whereas getting the chance to fulfill native Alaskans and learn the way they reside (and thrive) within the harsh surroundings.
Alaska Winter Tour Highlights
I’ve put collectively all of my favourite winter experiences into this tour. You’ll be immersed into the Alaskan tradition and revel in winter to the fullest!
- Aurora Viewing 3 nights in Fairbanks the place you may wait within the consolation of cabins
- Snowshoeing in Fairbanks with a naturalist
- Learn to curl on the native Fairbanks Curling Membership
- Drive to the Denali Winter Customer Heart
- Go to a Canine Kennel and be taught all about mushing in Denali
- Go to breweries, museums, and extra in Talkeetna (optionally available flightseeing)
- Go to an Iditarod Champion kennel and learn to mush your personal staff of canine
- Hike on the Matanuska Glacier
- Keep in cozy winter cabins (optionally available snowmobiling)
- Have our private native information and aurora knowledgeable all through your complete journey
We begin in Fairbanks and finish in Anchorage, which gives you an unlimited take a look at the state. See for your self!
Dates: February 15-22 2025
Price: Single Room = $5,454
Double Room per particular person = $4724 – if you’re keen to share – it is a tremendous deal!
Triple Room per particular person = $4508 – as soon as once more, if three folks wish to share!
All meals and experiences are included!
Itinerary at a Look
February 15 – arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska – night Aurora chasing.
February 16 – Snowshoeing and night Aurora tour.
February 17 – Intro to Curling and night Aurora tour and particular dinner with locals.
February 18: Drive Fairbanks to Talkeetna, take a canine sled experience, and tour the kennel. Cease on the Denali Customer Heart.
February 19 – Discover Talkeetna, tour an Iditarod Kennel, and mush your personal staff of canine.
February 20 – Non-obligatory flightseeing round Denali, drive Talkeetna to Glacier View.
February 21 – Matanuska Glacier Hike, optionally available snowmobiling.
February 22 – Glacier View to Anchorage, discover Anchorage, night departure from Anchorage.
Starting/Ending Level
Fly into Fairbanks (FAI) on February 15, 2025
Fly out of Anchorage (ANC) on February 22, 2025 Afternoon
What’s Included
- All lodging
- All Transportation
- All meals – No alcohol is included however might be bought by yourself
- All listed excursions (3 aurora viewing excursions, snowshoeing, curling lesson, two kennel visits, canine mushing, and glacier hike.)
- Entry to a full gallery of pictures (shot by me!) of your complete journey, which you should use for private functions.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- Alcoholic drinks
- Flightseeing in Talkeetna (optionally available exercise)
- Snowmobiling at Sheep Mountain Lodge (optionally available exercise)
- Muskox Farm Go to (if time permits)
- Suggestions for guides
- Journey Insurance coverage
I strongly counsel you get journey insurance coverage for any of your travels. Here’s more info on travel insurance. I exploit Allianz Travel Insurance for my very own private travels and have at all times been proud of their service. I extremely counsel the Annual plan they provide!
E book This Tour
Please be aware – this tour is at the moment full. When you’d prefer to be placed on the waitlist – simply e-mail me at [email protected]
I’d like to speak to you first to reply any of your questions previous to your reserving. Subsequently, comply with these steps to e book:
- Ship me an e-mail at [email protected] letting me find out about your curiosity. We’ll arrange a name to debate any questions you may have. This can be on a first-come, first-served foundation – there are solely 9 spots out there on this tour.
- I’ll then put you in contact with Glenda from Salmonberry, the place you may e book your $250 deposit per particular person together with her and safe your spot for this tradition Ottsworld tour.
- 10 persons are required for the tour to run. Please wait to buy airfare till we will verify ten friends.
Cancellation Coverage and Charges
- A $250 preliminary dedication deposit is required to carry your spot. If the journey doesn’t get confirmed with 10 folks, then your $250 maintain can be refunded, or you should use it in the direction of one other Salmonberry tour.
- As soon as the tour is confirmed with ten folks signed up, the complete deposit (50% of the journey price much less the $250 already paid) can be due and non-refundable after October 1, 2024.
- The ultimate fee is due December 1, 2024.
- You possibly can cancel as much as October 1, 2024, and be refunded your deposit. After October 1, 2024, journey prices spent up to now are non-refundable.
I like to recommend getting Allianz Journey Insurance coverage to cowl your journey prices in case of cancellation or emergency. Get a quote now.
Detailed Itinerary for Winter Alaska Tour 2025
Day 1 Fairbanks
Arrive in Fairbanks, get checked in, and prepare for our first group dinner. After dinner, we depart for a well-liked Northern Lights viewing location exterior Fairbanks. Your native Alaska information will share the science behind the lights and their significance to Alaska Native cultures, in addition to the historical past of the realm and private tales of residing within the Nice Land. This night tour features a heated indoor relaxation space, snacks, Cup Noodles, and scorching drinks to take pleasure in.
Dinner Included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 2 Fairbanks
Sleep in and discover downtown Fairbanks by yourself. At the moment, we take a snowshoe stroll the place you’ll discover the boreal forest, shifting by way of birch and spruce timber and seeing iconic Alaskan dwarf spruce. We’ll stroll by way of a winter wonderland in search of animal tracks, studying about native plant makes use of, and the way crops and animals survive life within the chilly. It might be winter, however there are nonetheless birds, mammals, and crops to be discovered!
Tonight after dinner we head out for extra aurora chasing! We’ll go to a distinct location exterior of Fairbanks to scan the skies for the sensible northern lights. As soon as once more a a heated indoor relaxation space, snacks, Cup Noodles, and scorching drinks are offered.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 3 Fairbanks
At the moment, we go deep into the native tradition of curling! We’ll head to the Fairbanks curling middle, meet native curlers, and get hands-on on this distinctive sport! It might look easy on TV – however you’ll be stunned at how difficult – and FUN – it’s! We’ll also have a pleasant group curling match to check out our new expertise!
Tonight, we now have a really particular deal with – we’ll take pleasure in an unique night with native Alaskans (Frank and Miriam) residing off the grid! Your hosts and their canine companions open their residence to you 25 miles from Fairbanks and town lights. Benefit from the silence and remoteness, and get glimpse of off-grid residing. Regardless of should you sit in entrance of the massive panoramic home windows from the consolation of the cabin or head exterior to seek for the aurora, this can be a particular night. Frank is knowledgeable photographer who will help with Aurora Borealis’s pictures. If the aurora is robust sufficient, Frank will take skilled pictures of you underneath the aurora.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Fairbanks
Day 4 – Drive to Talkeetna by way of Denali
At the moment, we head south and benefit from the beautiful panorama and views of Denali (hopefully, if it’s clear!). Situated on the sting of Denali Nationwide Park and nestled in a small stand of spruce forest, we’ll cease at Moondog Kennel – residence to the friendliest group of working sled canine round! Hailing from conventional freighting genetics and immediately associated to the Denali Park Kennel, Brian, and Courtney will share with you what life on the tundra is all about. Take pleasure in a sled canine meet and greet, and comfortable up on the sofa with snacks and a bunch of retired canine as you be taught in regards to the significance of freighting canine and the historical past of the Denali space. You’ll acquire a greater understanding of the lives of native mushers in inside Alaska.
If time permits, we’ll additionally cease on the Denali Nationwide Park Customer Heart and speak to the ranger about wintertime within the nationwide park.
Arrive within the small city of Talkeetna and get cozy in your cabin! Right here, we will additionally search for northern lights down by the river – a brief stroll from the cabins.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Talkeetna
Day 5 – Talkeetna
Explore Talkeetna and it’s unique personality! Cease in at Nagley’s and meet Aurora – the feline mayor! Benefit from the museum and be taught all about climbing Denali and the historical past of the area. Benefit from the retailers alongside Fundamental Road.
At the moment we’ll go to the house of an Iditarod champion (he received final 12 months!), Dallas Seavey, and tour his kennel of energetic sled canine. The tour begins on the kennel headquarters overlooking the canine yard and snowy boreal forest you’ll mush by way of. Highlights embrace the hook-up, sled driving demo, and a six-mile mush on the identical trails that Dallas trains together with his Iditarod staff. This time, you received’t merely be using – you’ll be mushing your personal staff of canine!
Every two friends will share a canine sled and a canine staff of Alaskan huskies to your mini-expedition! For the primary half of your experience, you’ll information your staff by way of the silent, snow-capped birch and spruce forest; the one sounds are paws pounding, the sled’s runners gliding throughout the snow, and the occasional excited bark. Many photograph alternatives can be out there as you go to reproduction Iditarod checkpoints and race to the end line underneath the burled arch!
After your experience, be a part of us for a tour of the homestead and kennel operations, in addition to time with the youthful husky puppies. Ensure you take loads of pictures with the longer term Iditarod champions earlier than they’re well-known! End this distinctive expertise again at Kennedy headquarters, the place you meet different members of the skilled mushing staff and heat up with cookies and scorching drinks.
If climate permits, there can be an opportunity to go on a flightseeing tour of Denali! That is an optionally available exercise and roughly $375 per particular person ought to be budgeted. For these , we’ll test climate for right now and tomorrow for a potential flight!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Talkeetna
Day 6 – Glacier View
Drive additional south to the Glenn Freeway – considered one of Alaska’s most dramatic drives and a private favourite of mine! You’ll drive by glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Our vacation spot right now is Sheep Mountain Lodge the place you’ll get to remain in a comfy cabin with unimaginable mountain views.
Right here, you’ll have choices to do snowshoeing on their trails and even do an optionally available snowmobile tour.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Glacier View
Day 7 – Matanuska Glacier
It’s a bucket record merchandise for a lot of – there’s nothing like standing in entrance of and on a glacier. The dimensions and energy of this magnificent pure surprise are humbling. We’ll spend a complete afternoon mountain climbing and studying in regards to the Matanuska Glacier.
At the moment, we discover Matanuska Glacier’s many unimaginable options, equivalent to moraine and glacial blue meltwater swimming pools, in Southcentral’s stunning Matanuska Valley. 1000’s of years outdated, this huge glacier is tucked up into the pinnacle of the Matanuska Valley. You’ll spend 2 hours trekking with our glacier guides by your aspect, studying how the Matanuska Glacier was born and the way it formed the panorama within the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Discover blue meltwater swimming pools and awe-inspiring formations.
We’ll present our helmets, a trekking pole (strolling stick), and microspikes that connect to your footwear.
Cease at an area lodge for lunch and a wonderful view to spherical out the expertise.
Non-obligatory snowmobile tour at Sheep Mountain Lodge that afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
In a single day Glacier View
Day 8 – Anchorage Departure
We’ll go away Glacier view behind and set our sights on Anchorage this morning. We must always get there in time to discover town a bit, and possibly even see a moose wandering round (we did final time!). We’ll take pleasure in a going away lunch after which bid farewell.
Departure flight ought to be booked for the afternoon at 4 PM or later.
Breakfast and lunch are included.
I strongly counsel you get journey insurance coverage for any of your travels. Here’s more info on travel insurance. I exploit Allianz Travel Insurance for my very own private travels.
Find out where to go in Alaska for fall color
Who Ought to Think about This Tour?
- Individuals who prefer to discover lesser-known locations and be adventurous and energetic.
- People who find themselves versatile. You have to be keen to exhibit flexibility, as itineraries could change on account of climate, and the aurora could not come out – it is best to have a ‘keen to strive new issues’ perspective.
- Individuals who take pleasure in chilly climate actions and being outdoor.
- Individuals who can hike not less than 3 miles.
- People who find themselves okay with staying up late to view the northern lights. Usually we don’t exit for viewing till 10 PM and get again to the resort at 2 AM. However don’t fear – we provide you with time to sleep within the subsequent morning with late begins the subsequent day.
- People who find themselves amenable to touring with others.
What’s going to the Climate Be Like?
You may be stunned to seek out out that the coastal areas in Alaska don’t get as chilly as you assume – they not often fall beneath 20F aside from the occasional storm. Up within the Arctic areas, they don’t get a lot snow as a result of it’s thought of a desert.
Nonetheless, Alaska’s inside (Fairbanks) will get chilly, and there’s plenty of snow. There it’s possible you’ll expertise temperatures dipping into the -20F and get plenty of snow that may stick round all winter from October by way of March. All Alaskans know you could fight winter climate with the proper gear. When you’ve got the proper gear – you may take pleasure in Alaska winter – even in Fairbanks!
Uncover 7 of the best places to travel in winter for North Americans
What Winter Gear Will You Must Be Snug?
I’ve written this publish about what to pack for Alaska in the winter so please check out it – this gives you an thought of the gear to carry and possibly embrace a variety of stuff you hadn’t thought of! The hot button is layers and good boots.
I’ll present an in depth packing record and might seek the advice of with you indiviually on what gear you’ll want. As well as, we’ll have just a few group calls previous to the tour to speak about packing and different logistics.
You don’t must exit and buy a complete new winter wardrobe, although, for this journey – you may really hire gear from Alaska Outside Gear Rental. They hire high quality gear you could get delivered to your resort in Fairbanks, and you may return to your resort in Anchorage. They’ve gear packages to hire or particular person gadgets. See extra at Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental.
What do Individuals Say About Ottsworld Excursions
“The Ottsworld Alaska Winter Tour is a bucket-list-checking good time! The Aurora viewing, canine sledding, snow shoeing, moose viewing, curling, and glacier mountain climbing all occur at a cushty tempo in breathtaking areas, combined in with a number of the greatest foods and drinks stops you may think about. Can’t say sufficient good issues – – – go!” – Heather
“I couldn’t have requested for a extra unimaginable option to expertise Alaska for the very first time than with Sherry Ott. Sherry’s data of distinctive locations and wonderful folks made all of it come collectively into a tremendous week!! A small group of us had been capable of expertise the off-beaten path and met essentially the most real, genuine folks keen to share their lifestyle in Alaska. It’s laborious to place into phrases how this expertise made me really feel. I fell in love with Alaska….the place and its folks! It was all so magical, from seeing the aurora borealis, to snowshoeing within the peaceable, spruce and birch forests, to mountain climbing on a glacier, and really mushing canine and canine sledding!! There was a peace there I had been in search of. It was positively a visit I’ll keep in mind endlessly!! I’m eternally grateful to Sherry for sharing her data of this place. I stay up for different journeys Sherry could share, as I do know they are going to be distinctive!! ” – Debbie
“The winter Alaska journey with Sherry Ott was excessive in all respects, ie unimaginable guides, wonderful meals and off the charts surroundings. The tour firm, Salmonberry is a firstclass operation. This journey was neck and neck with the highest ones of my lifetime!” – George
Led by Salmonberry Excursions
What makes this ‘Ottsworld’ worthy? I have to confess – that I’m form of a journey snob. I don’t love to do the ‘anticipated’ or see the standard sights; I like to hunt out the bizarre and fewer traveled (which is why I like to go to Alaska within the winter!). I’ve labored collectively very carefully with Salmonberry Excursions to place collectively an itinerary that impresses even me!
Salmonberry is an area Alaska firm, women-owned, and Alaska consultants! And better of all they’re small however mighty. I like supporting small, native operators after I journey – and I believe you’ll love them too. They solely rent guides who grew up in Alaska – no transplants – they’re consultants on the terrain, wildlife, and tradition of the state. They are going to be our information and driver as we discover the winter wonderland!
Extensions – Iditarod, Alaska prepare journey, and extra!
You too can simply prolong your journey on both finish and spend extra time in a selected space or I’m joyful to counsel further actions. Salmonberry has a variety of further day excursions and nice issues to do across the space too.
The 2025 Iditarod is beginning shortly after our tour concludes on February twenty sixth! This can be a nice alternative to remain and expertise Alaska’s spotlight of winter – the beginning of the Iditarod in Anchorage! Salmonberry offers special staring line experiences.
You too can select to ride the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train again to Fairbanks should you’d like a distinct perspective of the snowy panorama!
Or possibly you wish to stick round Anchorage and proceed the journey! Listed here are my favorite things to do in Anchorage in the winter.
Questions?
Be at liberty to contact me at [email protected] with any questions you may have about this tour, the experiences, what to pack, and many others. I’m joyful to reply something!
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